March 18, 2020

The Safety of Our Scouting Families and Employees is Our Top Priority

We appreciate your commitment to safe, healthy Scouting programs for all youth and families.

After reviewing the latest information on COVID-19 and consulting with Old North State Council Health & Safety Committee, our Council Physician, and our Council Executive Officers, we have made the following decisions in an abundance of caution and the best interest of our local communities:

*March 17, 2020- April 30, 2020* We appreciate your understanding of further adjustments in the interest of health and safety.

All Scouting unit, district, and Council meetings and events scheduled to occur in-person or face-to-face have been canceled or postponed. Please visit www.bsaonsc.org to view a calendar listing of impacted events.

If you conduct a Scouting unit, district or council meeting, you must use technology as the connector/interface. You cannot have any face-to-face meetings.

All Council camps (Cherokee, Woodfield, Hagan, and Hemric) are closed to all unit, district, Council events and outside groups. Units with current reservations may request a refund or transfer their reservation to a future date.

The Customer Service Counter at the Old North State Council office will remain closed to in-person or face-to-face interactions. All business will be conducted online, via email, fax, or over the phone at 336-378-9166.

For the security of your credit card information, the preferred method of payment is online. We will continue to accept payment by check via the mail. For this time period, for your convenience, we will accept credit card payments over the phone.

Special Note: The BSA National Scout Shop located in the Old North State Council office is closed to any online or in-person or face-to-face business until at least April 1.

Adhering to Youth Protection Requirements and using technology to continue Scouting programs:

Please review the Youth Protection requirements regarding the use of digital devices prior to contacting Scouts. For example, you must include the Scout’s parents in any communication if the Scout is under age 18.

We encourage the use of Face Time, Facebook live, Skype, GoTo Meeting, Zoom and other services available to conduct virtual Scouting programming at the unit, district, and Council level.

You will find resources on the Council Facebook page and in the Council’s e-newsletter to help you keep your Scouts and parents engaged while not meeting in-person

Encourage Scouts and parents to work on advancement requirements at home

Any other Questions?

Please contact the Old North State Council office between 8:30am- 5:00pm, Monday through Friday at 336-378-9166, visit our website at www.bsaonsc.org or follow us on Facebook

Remember a Scout is CLEAN:

Stay home when you feel sick.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash your hands before and after doing so.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve/elbow, not your hands.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Do not share personal items such as cups, water bottles, eating utensils, etc.

Do not shake hands or hug.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

If you have a fever, cough, or other symptoms associated with COVID-19, or if you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19, isolate yourself and contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Remember a Scout is HELPFUL:

We are all stewards of our communities. Scouts and parents can check-in with our friend and neighbors, especially elderly neighbors.

Inquire over the phone or by email if you can pick-up items including medications and groceries.